Gauhati HC Directs State Govt To Expedite Transgender Welfare Board Formation Within 6 Weeks

The Gauhati High Court has recently directed the Assam Government to accelerate the process of establishing the Transgender Welfare Board and ensure its completion within a span of six weeks.

During the proceedings, P. Nayak, the Standing Counsel for Finance, presented a copy of the sanction letter dated June 26, 2023. The letter stated that in response to the request from the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, a grant-in-aid of Rs. 6,00,000 has been sanctioned for the establishment of the Transgender Welfare Board Office.

Swati B. Baruah, the counsel representing the All-Assam Transgender Association, expressed satisfaction with the outlined procedure stated in the Assam State Policy for Transgender Persons. Baruah further emphasized that once the Board becomes operational, it will be able to address various issues faced by transgender individuals.

Additionally, the court instructed the Additional Government Advocate to seek instructions regarding the establishment of the Transgender Protection Cell under the Director General of Police (DGP), following Rule 11 (5) of the Rules prescribed in the notification dated September 25, 2020.

The matter is scheduled for further hearing on 8^th August, 2023.